Minneapolis Toy Library finds new home on Nicollet

A sample of new toys at the Minneapolis Toy Library, now based at 8 W. 60th St. Submitted photo

The Minneapolis Toy Library has moved out of an East Harriet garage and into a permanent space inside Richfield Lutheran Church at 8 W. 60th St.

Four moms launched the library in 2014, and they recently tripled the toy inventory through a Hennepin County Green Partners grant. They’ve purchased multicultural dolls, educational Montessori-based toys and yard toys like brooms and rakes. Co-founder Molly Stern said they offer larger toys that are fun for a couple of weeks without permanently taking up space at home.

The toy library is targeted for children up to five years old. With a $20 annual membership, families can borrow up to five toys at each event. Stern said 75 active families are using the library, and she’s hoping to bring that number up to 200.

“We’re really open to the entire community,” she said. “Not only is the goal to reduce waste and share toys, but also to foster relationships.”